Dolphins and You Voted Best Hawaii Tour

Dolphins and You has been voted Best Hawaii Tour for the second year in a row by 111 Hawaii Awards.

The ‘golden shaka’ was awarded at the 2019 111 Hawaii Awards ceremony, which took place at the Hilton Hawaiian Village on Friday, February 8.

Beating out the Polynesian Cultural Center, “Dolphin & You, a swimming with wild dolphins tour” was ranked #1 in the optional tour division for second consecutive year. Among other 2019 #1 winners were Diamond Head Crater for Best Hike and Lanikai Beach for Best Beach.

Dolphins and You now proudly displays not one, but two ‘golden shakas’ for 2018 and 2019 awards in its office in Waikiki.

Snorkel with wild sea turtles and Dolphins with Dolphins and You!

Join a Dolphins and You guided dolphin swim tour to snorkel with dolphins and sea turtles on the west coast of Oahu. The half-day tour also includes hula entertainment, an ocean water slide and taro bun burger lunch!

4,000 Miles of Anticipation

Dolphins and You CEO Richard Holland made the trip all the way from his home in Japan to attend the award ceremony.

“I’m not sure if we’ll win, but I know there’s a reason why I’m here,” Richard said the day before the ceremony.

In the tense moments leading up to the announcement, the Dolphins and You team clasped hands in anticipation of the announcement. When Dolphins and You was announced, joy was felt all around.

Also in attendance of the event was Richard’s son and tour guide manager Shanti, along with Japanese Marketing Manager Yui and General Manager Kaina.

“We did it Team! #1 two years in a row!” Richard exclaimed as they accepted the award.

2019 111 Hawaii Award Recipients

Best Tour: Dolphins and You

Best Golf: Kapolei Golf Club

Best Attraction: Diamond Head

Best Museum: Honolulu Museum of Art

Best Trail: Diamond Head Trail

Best Beach: Lanikai Beach

Best Pancakes: Boots & Kimo’s

Best Eggs Benedict: Has Tree Lanai

Best Acai Bowl: Island Vintage Coffee

Best Malasada: Leonard’s Bakery

Best Shave Ice: Matsumoto Shave Ice

Best Cookie: Honolulu Cookie Company

Best Spam: Iysume

Best Garlic Shrimp: Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck

Best Loco Moco: Aloha Table Waikiki

Best Plate Lunch: Pioneer Saloon

Best Coffee: Lion Coffee

Best Aloha Shirt: Kona Bay Hawaii

Best Ukulele: Kamaka Ukulele

Best Craft Beer: Kona Brewing Company

Best Steakhouse: Wolfgang’s Steakhouse

Best Seafood Restaurant: 53 By the Sea

Best Restaurant View: Michel’s

Best Burger: Teddy’s Bigger Burger

Best Japanese Food: Izakaya

Best Noodles: Golden Pork

Best Fine Dining: Taormina

Best Chinese Restaurant: Fook Yuen

Best Ethnic Food: Hale Vietnam

Best Italian Restaurant: Arancino

Best Buffet: Kai Market

Best Cafe: Goofy Cafe

Best Bakery: Hawaiian Sweet Potato Factory

Best Bar: Nomu

Best Food Court: Waikiki Yokocho

Best Casual Dining: Side Street Inn

Best Beauty Salon: Nail Salon Ai

Best Spa: Royal Kaila Spa

Best Cosmetics: Belle Vie

Best Apparel: 88 Tees

Best Jewelry: No. 8 Jewelry

Best Grocery: Whole Foods Market

Best Lesson: Dragon Beat

About 111 Hawaii Awards

111-Hawaii Awards will be the very first ranking by Japanese Hawaii fans from Japan, Hawaii, and around the world.

Determined through online voting, each of the 50 categories such as Hawaii gourmet, gifts, and tours showcase the best of Hawaii. Not only is this an awards competition, but also a project supporting Hawaii in which your votes help increase donations toward helping our local community.